Tragedy strikes Valdosta community, football team

Valdosta is weathering tragedy after one of its players was killed over the weekend.

The Valdosta Wildcat Football Twitter (@24VHSFootball) page asked for prayers for the family of Sam Johnson Jr., who was struck by a car and killed while helping an injured dog near an intersection Sunday.

The 16-year-old student athlete was walking in the 3900 block of Inner Perimeter Road when he was struck and killed by a vehicle passing through the area. Johnson Jr was discovered alongside the injured dog by a passer-by, who called 911, according to the Valdosta Police Department. The car fled, but the VPDlocated the suspects black Dodge Charger nearby and impounded the vehicle.

It is unexplainable the callousness and disregard for human life that this offender has shown, by hitting this teenage victim and leaving him. My heart breaks for the family and friends of Mr. Johnson, who deserve answers as to why this happened to their loved one, said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan.

It is with a heavy heart that we ask you to pray for the family of Sam Johnson, Jr. The Valdosta Wildcat Football Program mourns the loss of one of our student athletes who was involved in a deadly accident last night. While we dont know all of the details, we are heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. He was an amazing young man who was taken from us way too soon. As our hearts are broken by the sudden loss, please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Rest in Peace, Sam, was shared by the Valdosta Touchdown Club.